Oldest Living U.S. Veteran, 109, Still Smokes And Drinks
We’re told that smoking and drinking are not good for our health, but you wouldn’t guess that from soon to be 109-year-old World War II veteran Richard Overton, who still enjoys smoking a cigar and drinking whiskey, UPI News reports today. Overton, the oldest living U.S. veteran, enjoys 12 Tampa sweet cigars per day. Overton will celebrate his 109th birthday next week on May 11.
A resident of Austin, Texas, Overton will be joined by 100 friends to celebrate his birthday, including the city’s mayor Steve Adler. UPI News reports that “he still enjoys driving, smoking cigars and drinking whiskey.”
“From everybody that lives in this city, we do really consider you a treasure and everybody wishes you a happy birthday as well,” Adler said at the “Mighty Fine at 109” party, which was catered by Mighty Fine Burgers, Fries and Shakes, UPI News reported, “He’s just the coolest neighbor on the planet. He’s so much fun, he always has the best stories,” Elliot told KXAN-TV, “I feel honored, I feel really honored. What’s he’s done for this country, for our community. He’s an incredible individual and I feel honored and special to be here.”
Overton likes to smoke his cigars, he told the Wall Street Journal, “I smoke at least 12 Tampa Sweet cigars a day.”
His neighbors say he still drives and does his own yard work. Overton likes having become famous, he told UPI News, “I like the attention, I never thought I would be that important.”
“Richard Overton, who is considered to be the oldest living veteran in the United States, celebrated his 109th birthday Sunday with “Mighty Fine at 109.” KXAN NBC News reported, “The private event was sponsored by Mighty Fine Burgers, Fries and Shakes. Austin’s finest showed up, as well as plenty of friends and family. A neighbor hosted this in her yard, at Frank’s subtle hinting.”
KXAN News noted that Overton has lived under 11 presidents, both World Wars, women gaining the right to vote via the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, and that the city of Austin has doubled five times.
Richard Overton celebrated his 107th birthday two years ago with cigars and whiskey, the Inquisitr reported.
“Richard Arvine Overton is the oldest vet at 107-years-old, and he is spending his Memorial Day relaxing at home, though he may enjoy himself a little bit in the process. The World War II veteran plans on enjoying a few cigars and possibly even diving into some whiskey to remember the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces,” the Inquisitr reported.
[Photo of Richard Overton from video from UPI News]
